President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday led the launch of the Oplan Kontra Baha waterways clearing and cleaning operations in Metro Cebu aimed at preventing flooding during next year’s rainy season.

Cebu took heavy damage and casualties during Typhoon ''Tino'' which crossed the Visayas region.

The President launched the Oplan Kontra Baha waterways cleaning project in Metro Manila last November 12.

To be undertaken within nine months or from November this year to August next year, the project involves de-clogging drainage systems, dredging and cleaning waterways, clearing obstructions, and managing waste, to be undertaken within nine months.

The project aims to clean up eight priority waterways in Metro Cebu spanning 161 kilometers of rivers, creeks, and esteros, and 212 kilometers of the drainage system.

The President inspected the dredging and cleaning operations at Mahiga Creek in Mandaue City, while simultaneous operations are conducted at the Butuanon River and Subangdaku River in Mandaue City; Arrabal/Kinalumsan River, Guadalupe River and Kamputhaw River in Cebu City; Mananga River in Talisay City; and Cotcot River in Liloan municipality.

Marcos urged residents to closely monitor the progress of the waterways clearing and cleaning operations until August next year.

The Chief Executive also said experts will be consulted on where to build sabo dams to control water flow and mitigate flooding. Presidential News Desk